The Perfect Party

The people we’d most like to have at our dinner party this month.

Published Dec 10, 2009, 1:00pm

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Madeline Martinez
Following the US attorney general’s October decree that the feds won’t arrest pot smokers in states that allow medical marijuana, Martinez—the executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws—opened the Cannabis Café, where medical marijuana cardholders can legally medicate. Sorry, Madeline, but at our house, you’ll still have to smoke outside.

Lars Larson
Congratulations to the conservative talk-radio host who, in October, saw his contract with KXL renewed for another five years. For Larson, who once threatened to shoot his daughter if she tried marijuana, we’ve saved a special seat—right next to Martinez. Won’t you please pass the brownies, Madeline?

Jackie Gibson
Given our Wild West pedigree, we’re suckers for gals sporting rhinestones and cowboy hats. Milwaukie’s Gibson was Oregon’s only representative at the 2010 Miss Rodeo America contest. Contestants are judged on horsemanship and equine science—and, of course, their looks. The real question: how well does Jackie wield a bullwhip, should our guests get out of line?

Laini Taylor
Twilight, shmilight. Laini Taylor ups the chicken-skin factor in Lips Touch: Three Times, an illustrated collection of supernatural love stories about relationships between humans and goblins, demons, and (of course) vampires. Got your attention? You’re not alone: the Portland author’s book was nominated for a National Book Award in Young People’s Literature.

Tim Leavitt
In November, the 38-year-old city councilman ousted Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, who’d held the post since 1996, by a mere 7 percent margin. Leavitt, who plans to keep his job as a senior civil engineer, ran against Pollard on the platform of no tolls on the planned Columbia River Crossing. Not to worry, Mr. Leavitt, we won’t charge you anything to sit at our table.